How to Meditate

How to Meditate

At first I wasn't exactly sure what I was supposed to do. I knew I was supposed to sit down and be quiet. I wasn't sure what my mind was supposed to be doing while I was sitting there being quiet. I rented a DVD about meditation that I enjoyed and got a lot of information about meditating from it.

That DVD introduced me to various forms of meditation that I was not aware of at the time. That DVD included information about walking meditations, dancing meditations, meditating while watching the flame of a candle and my favorite was the laughing meditation where people just sat around and laughed. (Well, we know that laughter is the best medicine. I'll be talking more about this later.)

I found a program called The Silva Method at a used bookstore. It was a collection of audio tapes that guided me through a home-study program about the power of my mind and how to use it more effectively. I have since learned it is a very popular program. It is still one of my favorites. It was through this program that I learned about the various states and levels of the mind. It was through this program that I really started to understand what the subconscious mind was and how it really works.

With the guidance of these tapes I learn to relax and keep my mind quiet. It didn't happen overnight. I worked on meditating daily and it took a least a couple of months before I was able to go to a state of pure calm and peace. I have found it easier if I meditate with a meditation tape or meditation program.

Meditation has helped me a great deal. Over the past years I have developed a sense of calm. I am no longer bothered or upset by a lot of things that use to get me 'going'. Presently, about the only thing that really 'ticks my clock' is dealing with one of my neighbors. I am learning to keep myself centered even when she is determined to knock me off-balance. I now see her as a teacher and believe me; she presents me with very difficult tests every chance she gets.:)

Because meditation is such a private activity it is hard to know if you are doing it right. According to Roger Thomson, Ph.D., a psychologist in private practice in Chicago and a Zen meditator, there is one way to know for sure: "If you're feeling better at the end, you are probably doing it right."

I spend an hour a day meditating when I first wake up in the mornings. However, you can spend as little as a half hour a day and receive great benefits. You will find that even fifteen minutes of meditation can make you feel relaxed and refresh before, during, or after a busy day.

I have mentioned some of the meditation programs that I have experienced and enjoyed, however there are hundreds of wonderful meditation programs available. I’m sure you will find one that you feel comfortable with and supports you in your meditation process. If you have a meditation program or CD that you think is wonderful, please share it with us.

Remember, however, meditating is free. The most important thing you need in order to meditate is your wonderful, beautiful, magnificent self and the sincere intention to calm, relax and rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit.